Stakeholders have called for the development of a highly skilled and ethical workforce to strengthen the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources amid increasing environmental challenges. The call was made at the 3rd Matriculation Ceremony of the Certificate in Natural Resources Management (CNRM) Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year, held on Wednesday, 29th July 2026, at the Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC), Akyawkrom-Ejisu, in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, described the CNRM Programme as a strategic investment in human capital development, equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and commitment required to protect, manage, and develop Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources. He explained that the Forestry Commission’s mandate has expanded beyond conventional forest management to include climate finance, forest carbon management, biodiversity conservation, and national reforestation initiatives, making it essential to develop a workforce that is innovative, technically competent, and responsive to emerging environmental challenges.
Dr. Brown commended the long-standing partnership between the Forestry Commission and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), noting that it has significantly strengthened the technical capacity of personnel within the sector. He disclosed that 67 out of the 202 graduates produced by the programme have been employed by the Commission on contract, with prospects for permanent appointment.
Representing the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Prof. J. Y. Kumah commended the Forestry Commission and UENR for introducing the programme to address the human resource needs of Ghana’s forestry sector. He, however, expressed concern over the continued degradation of the country’s forests through illegal logging, illegal mining, uncontrolled bushfires, and other unsustainable practices.
According to him, reversing the trend requires a skilled workforce committed to sustainable natural resource management. He encouraged the matriculants to continuously upgrade their knowledge, embrace innovation, promote the sustainable utilisation of lesser-known tree species, minimise material wastage, and support the development of environmentally friendly products.
Chairman of the FCTC Technical Training Committee, Prof. William Oduro, urged the matriculants to see themselves as future custodians of Ghana’s natural resources. He encouraged them to combine technical competence with integrity, accountability, and ethical responsibility while building strong professional networks and contributing meaningfully to changing attitudes and practices that threaten the environment.
